The Katsina State Government has registered about 40,000 Women Affinity Groups, WAGs, to lay the foundation for a comprehensive database.
The state’s Commissioner for Women Affairs, Zainab Musawa, said this at a round table discussion in Katsina, while mentioning some of her office achievements.
The event was part of activities to celebrate the 2024 International Women’s Day, IWD, which held on March 8, 2024.
According to the Commissioner, the registration of the women group by the government was for effective reach and empowerment.
“Furthermore, we have also established a Gender-Based Violence (GBV) Center in collaboration with International Non-Governmental Organisations (INGOs).
“This centre stands as a beacon of hope, offering support and assistance to women and children facing gender-related issues.
“Our efforts also led to the domestication of crucial laws, including the Violence Against Person Prohibition (VAPP) law and Child Rights law.
“These laws serve as instruments of protection for the vulnerable, ensuring their rights are safeguarded and respected,” she said.
Mrs Musawa added that the establishment and inauguration of a Multi-Sectoral Committee marked a significant milestone towards the realisation of the Nigeria For Women Project.
According to her, the project, supported by the World Bank, aims to empower women across various sectors, fostering their economic independence and social inclusion.
“Last year, we successfully marked International Breast Cancer Month and the Sixteen Days of Activism, raising awareness and advocating against GBV,” Musawa said.
She pointed out that achieving inclusive economic empowerment and unlocking the full potential of women in the state remained the focus of her office.
“We will invest in education as a catalyst for economic empowerment, ensuring that women have the necessary skills and knowledge to thrive in a rapidly changing world,” she added.
During the discussion, children under the Adolescent and Sexual Reproductive Health and Live Skill (Safe Space), spoke on the impact of the programme on them.
One of the children from Rimi local government, Nana Mas’ud-Iyatwa, called on the governor’s wife, Hajiya Zulaihat Radda to facilitate for the establishment of Sexual Assault Referral Centers (SARCs) across the state.
According to her, such will promote immediate response and effectively curbing the menace of GBV within the state.
Another discussants, Aisha Muhammad-Hayat from Sandamu local government, commended the efforts of Save the Children for their unwavering support and educational initiatives.
The Safe Space programme is under the Philanthropic Integrated Health and Nutrition project, funded by Cuupy Foundation, through the Otedola family, and implemented by Save the Children.
NAN
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